The Sea King

Illustrated by Stefan Czerrecki
2002, Interlink Books

The Sea King lives deep under the sea in an exquisite crystal palace. He rarely leaves his halls, except to search out a human victim. One day,
the Sea King does a very big favor for a king from the land above. In return, however, he extracts a promise. And without realizing it, the king of
the land has promised the Sea King his newborn son...

This wonderful tale contains many rich elements of folklore--a talking eagle who can do magical deeds, a frightening witch with iron teeth, a kind
and honest prince, and twelve beautiful maidens who can turn into swans. These threads are masterfully woven into a dramatic and stunningly illustrated
fairy tale, one which readers of all ages will enjoy.

Reviews:

Stefan
Czernecki's illustrations for The Sea King (Trade Wind Books, Pounds 9.95)
are spectacular, with images inspired by the stylised forms of Russian
folk art. The story, by Jane Yolen and Shulamith Oppenheim, introduces
Morskoi Tsar in his palace of crystal beneath the sea. It has an abundance
of folkloric elements offering plenty of scope for intertextual forays: a
talking animal, a promise easier to give than to keep, 12 shape-altering
princesses, a prince, three tests, and a witch. -- London Times Literary Supplement

"Combining several elements of Russian folklore, the authors create an engaging tale using old motifs in new ways... The bright, deep colors
of Russian Folk art... inform the pictures, making pleasing patterns... Lots of folkloric elements neatly combined and pictures bright enough
for group reading create a nice addition to Yolen's huge canon..." -- Kirkus Reviews